About this project

$12,031

pledged of $10,000 goal

270

backers

This summer, an extraordinary team of creatives hailing from Los Angeles and New York City will embark on an ambitious video project to dish up insight into the skyrocketing alternative art, fashion, music, and nightlife culture in Beijing.

The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing will offer world travelers inspiration and information that no other travel guide has covered before: an insider’s view into one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding contemporary art, music and fashion scenes in the world. The Secret Guide will cover everything from the city’s major attractions to offbeat art galleries and shops, interviews with key innovators and influencers in Beijing’s creative community, as well as practical information on where to stay, how to get around, tips on bargain hunting, and more.

As experienced curators and purveyors of the extraordinary, we each offer a unique perspective, a sharp curatorial eye, and, with the help of several invaluable Chinese sources, all this will work together to result in an exciting, elegant video – unlike anything available now. The video footage will be accompanied by a series of blog posts and an online directory.

We will introduce that charming, modern, affordable apartment hotel located right next to an old-fashioned, family-run eatery where you can enjoy a traditional breakfast before visiting the latest exhibit of Beijing’s avant garde artists. We'll let you in on the best places to shop vintage, the most engrossing neighborhoods to explore and the coolest hidden spots to hear up-and-coming bands. You'll join us as we visit artists' studios, scope out current street fashion and share the undiscovered facets of this burgeoning metropolis.

Beijing today is the heart of a nationwide transformation that is developing hand in hand with China’s incredible economic boom. Young musicians, designers and artists are redefining a generation, gaining traction among Western audiences, and changing the way China is perceived around the globe. They embody China’s metamorphosis and carry into the future an electrifying optimism that makes Beijing an incredible city to visit and explore.

The Secret Guide will not only reveal a yet-unseen Beijing to world travelers, but also give a voice and unprecedented exposure to Beijing’s growing creative community. Our greatest hope is that this guide will facilitate a flurry of international inspiration and collaboration, giving our viewers the unique opportunity to team up with creatives they’d never have encountered otherwise!

Inspiring, informative, and entertaining, this guide invites viewers around the world to discover—and participate in—Beijing’s cultural renaissance.

To bring this amazing guide to you, we need to rent professional video and sound equipment such as a camera and sound kit consisting of a minimal amount of lenses, filters, matte box, tripod, lav mic, mixer, hard disk recorder and boom. Renting professional video and sound equipment for such a long time (we will be in China for more than three weeks) costs several thousand dollars alone. Additionally, our budget includes compensation for the web genius we hired, covers your excellent incentives and ensures ample editing conditions to make this the best guide ever.

Although we've kept every account of this project's budget to a minimum, it all adds up and our pledge goal is very, very conservative. Any amount raised in addition to this initial goal would tremendously help to secure the essentials necessary to make the guide flourish. We hope this explains why we need your support to bring this project to life.

FAQ

Support this project

Select this reward

Pledge $1 or more
About $1.00

Send us a sentence and learn it in Chinese! Wondering how to say “I ate a carrot and it made me laugh” in Chinese? Send us your sentence and we will ask random strangers in Beijing to teach you how to say it in Chinese. Quirky, funny, strange, romantic, brave – you decide! We love you, but please stay civil in your wishes.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

PERSONALIZED PHOTO HUNT! Ready for the ultimate surprise travel photo album? We will buy a single use camera and create a personalized travel album just for you. You can wait for the surprise, or suggest a topic: ‘animals’, ‘food’, “love’, ‘architecture’,’ fashion’, ‘art’ – you name it, we snap it. When we come back, we’ll mail the camera to you, you develop the film, and ...SURPRISE!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

A download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

PERSONALIZED PHOTO HUNT + Sticker + Poster! Ready for the ultimate surprise travel photo album? We will buy a single use camera and create a personalized travel album just for you. You can wait for the surprise, or suggest a topic: ‘animals’, ‘food’, “love’, ‘architecture’,’ fashion’, ‘art’ – you name it, we snap it. When we come back, we’ll mail the camera to you, you develop the film, and ...SURPRISE!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

Hive Honey Set by Biodidactic! Made by a beekeeper for honey enthusiasts, the Hive honey set is informed by the complexities of bees and the natural geometry which they employ. It includes Hive Jar in Clear, Capped Cell Lid, and Bee's Butt Dipper. http://bit.ly/QKissj

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

ASSOCIATE KICKSTARTER PRODUCER credit in the guide’s closing credits, 2 Instax photos from the trip, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Culinary Tour of NYC’s Chinatown with Secret Guide screening: Shien Lee and Daniel Frei will take you on a culinary tour in NYC’s Chinatown and show you authentic food, far beyond “Beef Brocolli”. Prepare to indulge in the best crab dumplings, slurp the most delicious bubble tea and finish your meal with the softest sponge cake ever! After the tour, come to the Frei Group office and watch some of the unpublished cuts of our travel adventures in Beijing.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

SWISS NIGHT: Chinese cuisine not your thing? What about Swiss? Daniel Frei (a native Swiss) offers a FONDUE DINNER IN NYC: Homemade Fondue with the finest selection of Swiss cheeses, a brief overview of Swiss geography and history and the ever-so-important history of the dish itself, homemade Swiss Sunday bread locally known as “Zopf” (Swiss German for ‘braid’)., Bonus: a surprise Fondue game...yeah eating Fondue usually includes some kind of bizarre game, be prepared for weird Alpine social fun. Oh, and delightful company (obviously). Limited to 4 people per event.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Three-course Dinner at Dances of Vice Nuit Blanche Burlesque Show. Get the VIP treatment with your very own table at Dances of Vice Nuit Blanche - this Wednesday AUGUST 8, 2012 at Brasserie Beaumarchais. Enjoy a three-course dinner with a scintillating burlesque show.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

An abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, ASSOCIATE KICKSTARTER PRODUCER credit in the guide’s closing credits, 4 Instax photos from the trip, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

A behind the scenes video guide for filmmakers! You’ll receive a behind-the-scenes video of how we made The Secret Guide. This will include an overview of equipment, where we buy or rent it, how to use it and what equipment you actually need versus what you only need if you want to look cool. Learn easy and cheap tricks that enhance your video look.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $300 or more
About $300

A behind the scene look on how to edit the films we shoot in Beijing: You’ll receive a DVD or a downloadable link to a video tutorial on how to edit these type of videos, from workflow to basic editing to outputting for online use. This includes the basics of using software such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Compressor, Fetch, and online video sites such as Youtube and Vimeo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $450 or more
About $450

Looking for a sexy Russian spokesmodel, da? Zoetica Ebb will wear your T-shirts, talk about your kvlt tea cozy Etsy store, whatever - as long as it’s ethically sound. She’ll help you promote your product in a series of high-quality photographs and feature your business in an article on Biorequiem.com

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

CO-CREATOR and ASSOCIATE KICKSTARTER PRODUCER: Co-create a part of The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing! We’ll cover one of your three suggestions in a segment and you’ll receive an ASSOCIATE KICKSTARTER PRODUCER CREDIT in the guide’s opening credits. Plus: an abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker and 7 Instax photos from the trip.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Want to surprise your sweetheart with the signature Dances of Vice look? Join Shien Lee on a Dances of Vice photoshoot! Shien will style you and you will receive a sexy picture of yourself to frame and present to your awed loved one.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $700 or more
About $700

Photo shoot with Zoetica Ebb! Whether you need new headshots, press photos, a modeling portfolio update or just want to feel like a superstar, Zoetica will bring out your absolute best. She will style and photograph you, you’ll look over a contact sheet, select your favorite images, then receive three final, retouched and color-corrected HiRes digital photos to do with as you please. Los Angeles area.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

REMOTE VIP, CO-CREATOR and KICKSTARTER PRODUCER: Join us on on location and be part of the production via Skype chat or call, then receive a personal gift from Beijing! Plus: Co-create a part of The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing! We’ll cover one of your three suggestions in a segment and you’ll receive an KICKSTARTER PRODUCER CREDIT in the guide’s opening credits. Also, you'll be able to post one URL on the guide's official website. Plus: an abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker and 10 Instax photos from the trip. Plus: custom assembly of raw video footage of your suggested story for your own use.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Thinking about starting your own wordpress blog? Our web designer Robert Campoy and graphic designer Zoetica Ebb will design and set up a customized, beautiful website template to suit your needs, and which you can easily update in the future.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Closet Overhaul! Do you sometimes feel like your look doesn’t reflect your personality? Got a serious case of the closet blahs? Ready to enter a new era of style but don’t know where to begin? After an in-depth style consultation where you discover your style identity, discuss the best way to dress for your shape, and draft shopping guidelines that fit your lifestyle, Zoetica Ebb will personally streamline your closet and go shopping with you! Ladies and gentlemen, Los Angeles area.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

Personal Style Overhaul! Embark on a 2-day journey to a revamped, gorgeous, confident you! Zoetica Ebb will conduct a one-on-one beauty consultation and personalized workshop. Day 1: Learn about skincare and makeup application, as well as discuss hair care, color, cuts and styling. We’ll create a customized beauty regimen and no-nonsense essentials shopping list. Day 2: After an in-depth style consultation where you discover your style identity, discuss the best way to dress for your shape, and outline shopping guidelines that fit your lifestyle, Zoetica Ebb will personally streamline your closet and go shopping with you! Ladies and gentlemen, Los Angeles area only.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,750 or more
About $1,750

Need a simple beauty reel? Want to show your product on a model, want to break into commercials or acting as a model? The Frei Group will shoot a simple beauty reel for you. Included is 1 day of video-taping at the location of your choice or The Frei Group’s, whatever you prefer. 1 day of editing and special effects. We will deliver a high-resolution reel (maximum 3 min in length) and compressed files for online streaming or download.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

THE SUPER PRODUCER and CO-CREATOR! Co-create a part of The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing! We’ll cover one of your three suggestions in a segment and you’ll receive a SUPER KICKSTARTER PRODUCER CREDIT in the guide’s opening credits. Then, buy yourself a ticket to visit us on location, we'll cover a 3-day stay at a luxury hotel in Beijing and you’ll carouse with us until the morning light! Or, be a true believer and contribute your entire pledge toward our guide - you're a VIP and the choice is yours! Also, you'll be able to post two URLs on the guide's official website. Plus: an abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker and 15 Instax photos from the trip. Plus: custom assembly of raw video footage of your suggested story for your own use.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,500 or more
About $3,500

Need a wedding video? Tying the knot and want a timeless record of those moments for years to come? The Frei Group will take care of all the moving image needs for your most important day. From planning, to filming, delivering the final DVD, Let Daniel Frei and his team document the special day for you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,500 or more
About $3,500

Get married in style! Your wedding is one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of your life - let Zoetica Ebb take on the challenge of helping you find the perfect dress, then consult you on undergarments, hair, makeup and accessories. She’ll do the legwork and research and present you with the best options for your dream wedding day look, head to toe. As an added bonus, if you’re feeling extra saucy, she’ll come up with a catalog of honeymoon looks, too.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

THE DEMIGOD PRODUCER and CO-CREATOR! Party with us in Beijing and be featured in the Guide! Co-create a part of The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing! Come to China and join us on location as we check out our top picks of Beijing’s art, food, shopping and nightlife. We’ll cover one of your three suggestions in a segment and you’ll receive a KICKSTARTER DEMIGOD PRODUCER CREDIT in the guide’s opening credits. Then, buy yourself a ticket to visit us on location, we'll cover a 5-day stay at a luxury hotel in Beijing and you’ll carouse with us until the morning light! Or, be a true believer and contribute your entire pledge toward our guide - you're a VIP and the choice is yours! Also, you'll be able to post up to three URLs on the guide's official website. Plus: an abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker and 15 Instax photos from the trip. Plus: receive a one minute custom video cut of your suggested story along with a custom assembly of raw video footage of your suggested story for your own use.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Have a short film script, but just don’t know how to make it come to life? The Frei Group will produce your short film. Included is production from initial planning to final output. Your script cannot be longer than 6 pages, can not feature more than 4 actors and needs to be shootable in 2 days and editable in 3. It can not require extensive lighting setup, stunts, or elaborate costumes. The Frei Group will offer everything from the production side, insurance, equipment, crew, casting location, post work. New York area only. PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOU CHOOSE THIS REWARD TO DISCUSS FEASIBILITY OF YOUR PROJECT.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Need an infomercial, music video, or beauty reel? Always wanted to show your customers, buyers, fans what your company, brand, band or store has to offer, in a dynamic video? The Frei Goup will produce an informative and glamourous infomercial for you. If you don’t like the talking and would rather have video with astonishing visuals, we will create a beauty reel (maximum 3 min in length) for you Included is 1 day of shooting (12 hours) at the location of your choice (1 model in case of a beauty reel) all post work and the delivery of a fully finished infomercial or beauty reel on 1 hard drive and 5 DVDs for your use, with all rights cleared so you can use it for any kind of distribution. Greater New York area only. IF YOU NEED A MUSIC VIDEO, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOU CHOOSE THIS REWARD TO DISCUSS FEASIBILITY OF THE VIDEO.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $8,000 or more
About $8,000

THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER and CO-CREATOR! Party with us in Beijing and be featured in the Guide! Co-create a part of The Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing! Come to China and join us on location as we check out our top picks of Beijing’s art, food, shopping and nightlife. We’ll cover one of your three suggestions in a segment and you’ll receive a KICKSTARTER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT in the guide’s opening credits. We'll get you a ticket (from any airport in the US or any major airport in the world) to visit us on location and a 5-day stay at a luxury hotel in Beijing AND you’ll carouse with us until the morning light! Or, be a true believer and contribute your entire pledge toward our guide - you're a VIP and the choice is yours! Also, you'll be able to post up to four URLs on the guide's official website. Plus: an abundant download of hi-res images from the trip, featuring behind-the-scenes shots and Beijing’s alternative art, culture and urban exploration photos, a download of a Beijing street fashion catalog shot by Daniel Garcia and Zoetica Ebb, a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing poster, a guide postcard, a password to private blog updates from the road and a Secret Guide to Alternative Beijing sticker and 15 Instax photos from the trip. Plus: receive a completely customized video cut of your suggested story along with a custom assembly of raw video footage of your suggested story for your own use. Plus: get an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER mention in our secret guide newsletter.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $8,000 or more
About $8,000

Need a commercial? Want to go that extra mile to promote your product or brand and need something truly sleek? The Frei Group will produce a broadcast-standard commercial for you. From concept to final commercial, Fhe Frei Group will take care of casting (1 model or up to 3 actors), concept development, filming, editing, graphics, and color correction. Concepts must be able to be shot in 1 day and editable in 4-5 days. (Valued at $15,000-20,000).